The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (DA-ATI-RTC 1) and Bureau of Plant Industry National Support Quality Control Services 1 (BPI NSQCS 1) have fortified their collaboration through a series of ten (10) training sessions conducted throughout the year. This collaboration serves as proof of both agencies’ commitment and support to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) enhancing agricultural productivity.
The training sessions were designed to impart innovative agricultural techniques, and have equipped local farmers and agricultural enthusiasts with essential skills and knowledge. These include three (3) batches of Training on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification for Potential Seed Growers conducted on July 3-7, July 31-August 4, and September 11-15; one (1) batch of Retooling Course on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification conducted on June 13-15, and two (2) batches of the same training conducted simultaneously on August 29-31; three batches of Training on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification for Deputized Seed Inspectors held on May 15-19, June 5-9, and October 9-13; and one batch of Training Course on Quality Rice Seed Production for Seed Analysts on September 19-21.
These trainings produced 259 certified and potential seed growers, seed inspectors, and seed analysts and were all identified by BPI-NSQCS 1. Through these, participants were able to understand and dig deeper into seed biology, inbred rice varieties, field selection and preparation, seed sowing and transplanting, as well as crop management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
Moreover, understanding the documentation process, paperwork, and standards set by regulatory authorities for certifying inbred rice seeds were some of the certification procedures the participants learned through these trainings. The information on accessing seed markets and entrepreneurship opportunities related to inbred rice seed production was also an avenue for seed growers, inspectors, and analysts. With this, they can contribute significantly to the agricultural sector while ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds for farmers and the productivity of rice crops.
The RCEF program, a key initiative of the Department of Agriculture, aims to boost the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers by providing them with the necessary support, resources, and knowledge. DA-ATI-RTC 1 has found a valuable partner in achieving the goals set forth by the RCEF program by collaborating with BPI-NSQCS 1.
